Like the rest of the world,I’ve been checking out Madewell for a while. As I browsed the stores and perused the website, I’m really loving what I see coming J. Crew’s kid sis. For instance, this frockin’ number caught my attention something serious.

For fall, I’m looking at adding more navy to my wardrobe than black and a little feminine ruffle action always makes my day.

Like 1 zillion other women, today, I will find myself at the movies to see Eat, Pray, Love. I thought it would be perfect timing to show one of my favorite Italian homes. It seems like the perfect home for eating, praying and loving.

Architect Lazzarini Pickering uses an architectural ribbon of antique Vietri tiles to weave the home together. As one moves throughout the home, the ribbon becomes both a decorative and functional element.

I love Pickering’s use of structure within another structure.  With a mix of clean lines, color and decor,  interiors project into other  spaces, playfully interacting with them and creating intimacy at the same time.

{images via World of Interiors and Lazzarini Pickering}

This home has been a personal inspiration to me, because it gives new life to antiques by using them in a modern way. It sits at the convergence of traditional and modern and juxtaposes traditional suzanis with modern Kenzo textiles, which are connected beautifully through color. This is a home filled with stories, both old and new. I fall in love with it every time I look at it.

Another year has flown by and I feel so blessed! I never knew my 30’s would be so much fun! That’s right it’s my birthday and all I can think to do is celebrate! Personally I’ve been stuck on the 1920’s lately ,thanks to  glam books like When Washington was in Vogue and of course, The Great Gatsby.  I thought these  flapper chic pics best illustrate my mood today.

{images via vogue, may 2010}

While I’m feeling pretty festive, today’s plan is to ease into this new year. After a reluctant trip to the DMV, I’ll be getting my yoga on to help start this new year off on the right foot with mindfulness and an open heart. That way I can continue the party spirit into  another year!

Thanks for sharing my day with me!!!

xoxo, Jessica

By now I’m sure you have heard the news. Margaret Russell is leaving Elle Decor to become the Editor in Chief at Architectural Digest. When I read that via twitter all I could say was, “thank God.” I have been offered AD twice as a subscriber, once when my beloved House and Garden folded (that still hurts) and again after Domino’s demise (tear).  One time I called and asked Conde Nast  to send me another magazine , while another time  I let the subscription ride out. My thinking? I was being too hasty in regards to Architectural Digest  and I should give a chance. What I found was that I wasn’t being hasty ; though the writing is amazing, the images left me cold and disconnected to the interiors. In magazines,  like in a good art book, I need both of those. Perhaps I should have just asked them to send me Vogue. Who exactly was their audience? As an interior design professional, I questioned if it was me.

{images via architectural digest}

What I love about Architectural Digest is their documentation of Hollywood at Home over the years. Though the issue  Mickey Rourke covered made me question the magazine again. But I moved on, or rather I didn’t buy that issue.  I also love that they include floor plans in the magazine; that’s something I wish more mags did.  Sometimes pictures are not enough to understand how the spaces work. And recently, I picked up the “Shop Like a Designer” issue. I thought that was an amazing breath of fresh air.  Flipping through later issues at the newstand, it is almost like the magazine had a new voice already. But I  must admit to you, I haven’t bought one since the shopping issue.

{image via elle decor}

This leads me back to my excitement about Margaret Russell taking the helm.  Architectural Digest has an amazing legacy, so how will Margaret Russell interpret this for new readers and a new generation of Designers? What will a new Architectural Digest look like? Russell turned Elle Decor into  more than just a shelter publication; it’s a household name and a huge brand with great writing and welcoming images. What will the new Architectural Digest brand be? I’m dying to know aren’t you?

So those are my thoughts. I’m loving these changes that are taking place in the shelter magazine world. Change is good, right? I’d love to hear what you think about all these changes.

Happy Weekend!

xoxo, jessica

Fourth of July weekend, I found myself by the water.  At the water’s edge were these beautiful trees bowed and humbled only by Mother Nature herself.

The images of these have made a lasting impression on me and for some reason I’ve been seeing them interior furnishings quite a bit.

{two-seater sofa via mooch}

{enchant from graham & brown}

{byron twig table from jayson home and garden}

{rosewood root cocktail table from hudson}

What do you think? Would you be  inspired to put branches and tree roots in your home?

Have a happy weekend!

xoxo, Jessica

I’m still having a floral moment. I love that this lady-like frock has a touch of edge with this abstract floral print. Isn’t perfect for a night on the town?

{image and dress via bloomingdales}

Hi Loves. Having a little problem with the blog today, mainly with the adding of pictures (which is vital to the blog). I’m ignoring my urge to panic, as Wednesday is my favorite day to post,  in lieu of more positive thinking. Hopefully, things will be back to normal soon and I can bring you more pretty tomorrow. See it’s already working…

I’ve always had a thing for dreamcatchers and this photo is simply beautiful. As you read this, I’m working to catch a few dreams.

{image via the cherry blossom girl}

Hey there! Just a quick post today while I jaunt around Cincinnati  with the fam…

I found out about Studio Toogood on Fly and fell hard for the conceptual design studio. This set the studio designed, below, is reminiscent  of the naiveté  in a  Henri Rousseau painting. Which means of course I’m totally in love.

Aren’t these images just beautiful?

{images set design thinking; the clothes horse}

Stories about the behind the scenes scoop about Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the movie and the first women pages at the Tiffany’s flagship in the 1940’s, would be just  perfect. That’s why I want to lay on the beach or sit in the park and pour through these books this summer.

Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.

Summer at Tiffany’s

Hmmm…I wonder who at Harper Collins is having a Tiffany’s moment?